The race for the Texas governorship is proving to be a fiercely contested battle, as a recent poll reveals a tie between incumbent Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa. The N+ Univision poll, conducted from August 27 to September 4, shows both candidates garnering 47% support from registered voters, with 5% remaining undecided.
This poll was unveiled just a day before Abbott’s address at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, underscoring the significance of the upcoming election.
Poll Highlights
In addition to the tight gubernatorial race, the poll indicates that 44% of voters hold a favorable view of Abbott, while 47% view him unfavorably. Conversely, Hinojosa enjoys a favorable rating of 42% and an unfavorable rating of 29%. Notably, among Hispanic voters, Hinojosa has established a 12-point lead.
Shifts in Voter Support
The poll also reflects a notable shift in voter sentiment in Texas. Compared to the 2024 elections, 25% of respondents report becoming more supportive of Democratic candidates, while only 17% express increased support for Republicans. This trend is even more pronounced among Hispanic voters, with 32% indicating a shift toward Democrats compared to 21% leaning toward Republicans. Many Hispanic voters attribute their changing views to the actions of former President Donald Trump during his term.
Senate Race Dynamics
In the race for the U.S. Senate, Democrat James Talarico is leading Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton by five points, with the poll showing Talarico at 48% and Paxton at 43%. Among Hispanic voters, Talarico’s lead widens to a remarkable 19 points, with 56% supporting him compared to 37% for Paxton.
The poll, which surveyed a total of 1,000 registered voters, included an oversample of 564 Latino voters and carries a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points overall and +/- 5 percentage points for the Latino sample.
